A New Identity and Mission

In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul gives a clear answer to the question, “What is a Christian?” A Christian is someone who is in Christ. That means the Christian has been made new by God, reconciled to God through Christ, forgiven of sin, counted righteous in Christ, and sent into the world with the message of reconciliation.

This passage shows that Christianity is not self-improvement, moral reform, or religious background. It is new creation. God does not simply overlook sin. He reconciles sinners to Himself through the sin-bearing death of His Son. At the heart of this passage is the great exchange: Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

This sermon calls unbelievers to be reconciled to God and calls Christians to live from their new identity in Christ. Because God has reconciled us to Himself, we can live with assurance, pursue holiness from grace, and carry the Gospel with humility and love. We invite you to gather with Refuge Church Centralia as we continue to hear God’s Word and make Christ known.